Vehicle radiator grille assembly



Dec. 19, 1950 w. H. DU SHANE VEHICLE RADIATOR GRILLE ASSEMBLY 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed April 25, 1948 M A m A 5 m m 0V V D ma a M A Dec. 19, 1950 w. H. DU SHANE VEHICLE RADIATOR GRILLE ASSEMBLY 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed April 23, 1948 FIG.3

I N VEN TOR.

Dec. 19, 1950 w. H. DU SHANE VEHICLE RADIATOR GRILLE ASSEMBLY 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed April 25, 1948 FIG.

N 5 .M v R S E 0 N TU ND P E 0 W w I E A Patented Dec. 19, 1950 2,534,425 vnniensimnirron emirte sssensrr' Wallace Ht Du- Shane, Waterloo; 1'oWa,.a'ssignor to-Deere-Mztnufacturing 60., Bubuque, Iowa-,a"

corporation of Iowa Application" April 2a, 1948-, seriafnox 223732 (01. rat-es)" Glaims.

This invention relates toa vehicle radiator grille assembly and pertains: particularly tosuch assembly for use in tractors;

In the development of my invention; I have been primarily concerned with grille? structure peculiar to tractor'siwherein there are experienced such conditions as extreme vibration during operation; the" desire for a structure that: can be easily and economically manufactured; and the necessity for a structure that can be'readily' disassembled and" assembled in the field; together with the requirement that the structure be neat and pleasing in appearance. With these re"- quirementsin mind, my invention has for its principal object the provision of a-rad-iator grille assembly comprising relatively few partsthat are in most" respects mutually self supporting or selfreenforcing'. In' a preferred construction, I make the grille assembly of sheet metal parts having appropriate: flanges and recessedportions to accommodate related components; Another object of the invention is to provide a; g'rille assembly'that includes a main vertical grille m'emb'e'r provided with vertically running; corruga tions which give the grille member the characteristics'of considerable strength combined with light weight,. and to provide upper and lower shell members to complete the assembly, these upper and lower members having portions thereon for receiving the upper and. lower corrugated ends of the grille member.

A still further object of the invention relates to the means for securing the components of the assembly together; and preferably to the means whereby the upper shell or member may be removed from the remainder of the structure Without dismantling the entire assembly.

Other desirable objects and important features inherent in and encompassed by the invention will becomeapparent to those skilled in the art as the disclosure of a preferred embodimentor the invention is" more fully made in the following detailed description and accompanying drawings; in which Figure 1 is a general front elevational view of the grille assembly;

Figure 2 is a transverse sectional view, on an enlarged scale, taken substantially along the line 22 of Figure 1;

Figure 3" is a vertical sectional view, on the same scale as Figure 2, taken substantially along the line 3-3-of Figure 1;

Figure 4' is afragmentary vertical" sectional view on a' scale somewhat larger than that used in Figures-2 and 3, the view-being taken substanti'all y-"on' the: line 4 4 of Figure 1, with interme= d-i'ate'p'ortions of the'* grille member omitted;

Figure 5' is an exploded sectional view' based on the upper portions of the illustrationin Figure-4; I

Figure 6 is a transverse sectional view on the samescale' as Figures 2 and 3 and takensubstantially on the. line 6-45 of Figure 3 Figure 7 is a transverse sectional view on the same? scale as Figures" 2;. 3 and 6 and taken sub? stantially'on the line 1-4 of Figure-'3 and Figure 8" isa fragmentary enlarged perspective view showing the relationship between the grille member and the elements that receive or locate the grillemember.

n1 preferred construction illustrated and about to be" described; the invention is characterized byi-ts application toa grille structure in which the l'x'lai h grille" member extends vertically and-is provides with vertically running corr a tions. It is to be understood, however, that the basis principles of the invention" are applicable to cthe'r inst "n s wherein the component par-ts r'"positions-and extend in other the "purposes of clarity and brew ity'; 1 i-ll be' had to parts: ashaving" tops and be or 'n's and as extending in certain direc ththe idea? in mind that the language 61 112510? (21 he'l' and in the Claims is intended to include structures having equivalent characteristiesrregarmess of the disposition of parts or the direction of'eXte'nsior-i thereof-'.

In general, the improved grille assembly corn:- 'ri's es' relativ few com onent arts, being basically about; up er" shell member 25'; albwer shelfmembet orbase 21; a? grille'member 6f" leififit interposed between the Shells 2U 21; and pair of side Shets;- one being a rlht-hahd sideshe'e't' 23 and the other" beings iert nasa sheetflfl (the term" right hand and left hand being uses with reference to the posltiiti'fiofari observer at the r'ear of the as'sembly and looking forward). v

The-base or lower shell member'zl' induces a generallytransverse substantially ar'cuaite friiiit portion 25 which cur'v'es rearwardly at each of its opposite ends t'0'- provide a pair of geile'rall3 longitudinally running side portions 2'6' and 2T, which arepositioned respectively below the side sheets zeane 24 (Figure 2')". The right hand side portion-- zs includes atits'upper edge a horizontalpropriately apertured to receive a plurality of fasteners, such a bolts and nuts 36. The opposite side portion 2'! of the base member or shell member 2| is provided with a horizontal longitudinal flange (not shown) upon which rests a horizontal longitudinal flange 3| preferably formed integral with the associated side sheet 24. These flanges are likewise appropriately apertured to receive a plurality of fastening elements, such as bolts and nuts 32.

As best shown in Figure 2, the grille member 22 is provided with a plurality of transversely spaced vertically running corrugations and the general cross sectional configuration of the grille member as viewed from above is generally arcuate so as to provide a transverse arcuate intermediate portion or front wall 33 which corresponds generally in shape to and is positioned above the transverse front wall 25 of the base member 2|. The grille member further includes at each of its opposite ends a rearwardly extending portion 34 at the right side and 35 at the left side. The rearwardly extending part 34 of the grille member 22 extends vertically above the forward portion of the right hand side portion 26 of the base member 2|; that i to say, the part 34 occupies that portion of the side portion 25 that is not occupied by the associated side sheet 23. The opposite side portion 35 of the grille member is similarly associated with the opposite side portion 21 of the base member and the associated side sheet 24. The forward vertical edge of the right hand side sheet 23 terminates in a flange 36 which is secured by a bolt and nut assembly 31 to a complementary flange 38 on the part 34 of the grille member 22. The forward portion of the left hand side member 24 is similarly flanged at 39 and a nut and bolt assembly 46 is utilized to secure this flange to a complementary flange 4| on the rear portion of the right hand part 35.

The base member 2| includes a mounting structure, indicated generally by the numeral 42 (Figures 2, 3 and 4), which comprises essentially a transverse horizontal intermediate portion 43 having a face to conform generally to the interior part of the upper portion of the base member 2| within which it fits. The edge of the mounting plate 42 terminates in an integral depending flange 44 which is contoured to fit within the base member or shell 2|, the flange having portions corresponding to the portions 25, 26 and 2! of the base member; although, the side portions of the flange do not extend completely rearwardly coextensive with the side portions 26 and 21 of the base member 2| (Figure 3) The mounting plate 42 and base member 2| are interconnected together in such manner as to provide a rigid structure, just as if the two were made of one piece, this result being accomplished by preferably spot welding the flange 44 to the interior portion of the base member 2|, as indicated at 46 in Figure 3.

The forward and opposite sides of the mounting plate 42 are depressed or otherwise formed to provide a recess 41 that extends around the three sides of the intermediate portion 43. The general shape of the recess, as viewed from above, is such as to conform the recess to the interior outline of the base member 2| and to the bottom portion of the grille member 22. The recess 41 extends longitudinall to the rear at each side of the intermediate portion 43, as at 48 and 49 in Figure 2, to accommodate the rearwardly extending side portions 34 and 35, respectively, of

the grille member 22 (see also Figure 3). The formation of the recess 4'! results in the provision on the mounting plate 42 of a shoulder 50, which follows and delineates the inner edge or wall of the recess. The bottom of the recess is formed by the depressed portion of the mounting plate 42, which results in a horizontal portion or ledge 5| on which the lower part of the grille member 22 rests (Figure 4).

As best shown in Figure 4, the top portion of the front wall 25 of the base 2| projects upwardly beyond the horizontal ledge 5| formed by the recess, the upward extension of the wall being indicated at 52. The upward extension of the wall, as at 52, is carried around the base member 2| and coextensive with the forward parts of the side portions 26 and 21. The upwardly projecting wall portion 52 is bent backwardly to provide a rearwardly directed flange 53 which likewise is carried around the side portions 26 and 27, ultimately running into the horizontal flanges of the side portions on which the bottom flanges 29 and 3| of the side sheets 23 and 24, respectively, rest, as previously described. The vertical extension or upward projection of the portion 52 from the front wall 25 and side portions of the base member 2| combine with the recess 41 to provide an upwardly openin channel defined by the ledge 5|, the shoulder portion 56 and the wall portion 52. The general cross sectional appearance of the channel, as shown in Figure 4, is, of course, carried around the lower supporting structure, including the base member 2| and mounting plate 42, to an extent sufficient to receive the lower end of the grille member 22. The rearwardly directed flange 53 overlies the channel, as shown.

From the description thus far it will be seen that the lower part of the grille member 22 is nested in the channel provided by the portions just described. The grille member is secured to the side sheets 23 and 24, as previously described, and the side sheets are further secured. to the base member 2|, also as previously described. The components, consisting of the base member 2|, side sheets 23 and 24, and the grille member 22, are thus mutually self-supporting. As a further means for supporting and locating the grille member 22, particularly with respect to the carrying thereof in the channel, I provide a member, designated generally by the numeral 54, which is in the nature of a generally transversely and arcuately extending strip disposed closely above and generally paralleling the extent of the channel or recess 41. The member 54 may also be considered as a plate-like structure having an upper flat surface portion 55 and an integral front depending flange 56, the latter engaging or abutting the interior surface of the upwardly extending wall portion 52 and further fitting under and being engaged by the upper flange 53 on said upwardly extending wall por tion.

The upper flat-surfaced portion 55 of the member 54 is provided with a plurality of transversely spaced pockets or recesses 57 (Figure 8) the shape and spacing of which is on the order of the cross sectional shape of the grille member 22, as determined by the vertical corrugations therein. On another view of the structure, including the member 54, it may be considered that the member 54- is notched or otherwise formed to provide pockets that are generally of U-shape, as viewedv from above, and opening rearwardly toward the shoulder 56 which defines the rear edge of the 5 channel Whishi themember 54 is located. The member 5'45 further inciuldes. preferably as an in.- tegral part thereof; a depending. flange structure, indicated generally: by the numeral 5. 8 (Figures 4' and 8 which in transverse: extent is contoured according: to the: corrugated grille. member 22 to providea struc lure of sinuous configuration-.. 'Ifihe lower'portion of the. grille member 22, when nest.- ed in the pocketed: member. 541, has: the wall. portion that. provides the corrugations: lying. against the portions. of thesinuous flange. 58. that borders the pockets, so: that. alternate. corrugations: fit

the pockets and other alternate. corrugations receive portions of' the member 54 intermediate the pockets;

The upper horizointal portion 55 of themember as: is appropriately apertured, as at. 59 (Figure it) ,to receive part of a securing means,.preferably in the form of a spacer 6t (Figures- 2 and.4 which has a central body fi l and a pair of pilot portions fifi which pass respectively through the aperture 5% and an aligned aperture 62 in. the ledge iii of the recess i'l' the spacer being further secured, as by welding at 60*, to the member 54 tocomplete the securing assembly and to hold' the member 54 in position above and in spaced relation to-the ledge 51-, as described. Asbest shown in Figure 2; there are a; plurality of securing and spacing means as spaced at appropriate intervals throughout the extent of the structure thus far described. The securing means are of course located intermediate the pockets- 5'! in the member 54.

The upper member 23 oft-he grille assembly is, like the lower member 2!, of shell-like construction and includes a transverse-generally arcuate front wall 54; having opposite rearwardly extending generally parallel side wall portions 65 and (Figures 6. and 73'. I- provide inside" the shell structure 2! an upper mountingplate" 61 which preferably takes the form of a transverse horizontal sheetmetal' plate of generally rectangular shape, with. the exception or an arcuate front edge, which isboun'ded on three sides bya. vertical integral-flange 6B. Thisfi'angeis preferably spot welded at @39- to portions of the. front and side walls of the upper shell 2 thus providing the upper shell and transverse mounting: plate 51 as a rigid unitary construction Positioned below the mounting plate El: is a member in? which has all' the structural characteristics of the member 54 previously described in connection with the mounting ofthe grille member 2 2011 the lower member 21, except that in the. member 52 the parts are generally inverted. The member to is therefore provided with a sinuous vertical flange structure I I which corresponds to the sinuous flange '58 on the member and the member iiiis further pocketed (not shown) to receive the vertical corrugations at the upper end of the grille member 22. Although the details of the member iii are not shown completely, it will be readily understood that, if shown, they would be substantial duplicates of the details of the member 54.

The member 19 is nested with respect to the upper end of the grille member 22, just as the lower member 54' is nested with respect to the lower end of the grille member. The member Ill is associated with a mounting strip, indicated generally by the numeral 12, which is here shown as comprising two symmetrical halves joined together by a short strip- [3 spot welded thereto (Figure '7). The member 12 provides a transverse structure shaped to fit within the upper 6 shell: 20. andiimludingean upper horizontat flange portion. 134. and- 31111 integral depending; at; the rear or inner: edge thereof; Inez-horizontal flange 14 lies just below andi'n; closely spaced relationto the; horizontal portion of the upper plate 61.;1and1ikewiseli'esabove and relatively closely spaced from the horizontal. flange portion of the pocketed. member 10. The: flange: 14'. and member 19 are. appropriately apertured airintervals between. the; pockets to receiveia plurality of: securin means. each of which: includes preferably'a spacer element 16? having. a cylindrical body; and oppositely? extending pilot portions H of reduced diameter; the. structure and. function of. which correspond to'the securing means159 53, described. in connection with. the lower member 54 in the lower mounting plate 42. Thelower shoulder between. the body and the lower: pilot portion is preferably formed. as a projection welding: ring; 16* which facilitates welding off the spacer' to the member: 111, after the upper portion. 11 is: passed. through the openingin the member 1.42 and riveted over; The rear flange l5 extends downwardly behind the upper portion of the corrugated grille member 22 in a-man ner similar to the manner in which the-shoulder 50 on the lowermounting plate 42 is associated with the lower. portion of the grille member. The sinuous flange on: the upper pocketed member i0 is associated with the corrugations of the grille'member 22 in the manner described-incom nection. with; the sinuous flange. 58: on the lower member 54..

The grilleassembly is secured together by a plurality of securing means, preferably in the form of long rods or bolts 18-, each of which has athreadedupper end 19 and a: similarly threaded lower end (Figure 4); The member 541 and mounting, plate 42 are appropriately apertured inalignment to receive the lower ends: of the bolts 1:8? and the threaded portion 80 of each bolt receives. a' nut 8| which is drawn up against the under surface of the mounting. plate 42, particularlytheunder surface of the portion defining the ledge 5|. The threaded portion BOfurther receives a lock nut 82. The upper member 1!] and: the upper plate or member 61: and; 14: are likewise apertured in alignment to receive the upper endsiofthebolts'ls. The bolts lfl areprefserably installed in the: assembly prior to: the installation of; theupper shell 20;.- that is to' say, the'grille member 22 and its'associated' members 54 and 10 are assembled and the bolts 18 placed in position. The upper threaded portion 19. of each bolt then receives a first nut 83;. and the nuts. 83 are; drawn; up againsttheupper surface of the member 12', thus. compressing the grille member: 22 between. themembers 12- and. 42. The upperrshell' 2a is now: installed and is received by the upper threaded end portions 1 9- of the bolts 18, which ihrm; in effecflextensions on the seeurm meanstor-receivin the upper'shell. After the upper shell is in place, each threaded portion l9 of each bolt 18' receives a second nut 84 which secures the shell 20 in place. The arrangement is such that the" removal of" the nuts 8&- willz permit removal of. the upper shell 29 without requiring the dismantling of the remainder of the assembly comprising the grille member 22 and lower supporting structure. Further; the first nut 83 provides means for holding theg-rillemember 22in place onthe lower structure while the upper shell is being installed. As best-shown in Figure 2, the-bolts- 1'8 pass'upwardl'y within certain of the corrugations in the grille :member 22 and thus are concealed when the grille assembly is viewed from the front or either side. A look washer 85 is provided in conjunction with each nut 84.

It will be seen from the foregoing description that the invention includes the important features of simplicity and economy with respect to manufacture and relatively great strength combined with light weight, inasmuch as the parts are mutually self-supporting and mutually reenforce each other. The nesting of the upper and lower ends of the grille member in the related supporting structures not only serves as improved means for carrying the grille member but also provides locating means tending to facilitate the assembly of the grille structure. In addition to the features pointed out above, other features and applications of the basic principles of the invention will suggest themselves to those skilled in the art, as will likewise numerous modifications and alterations in the preferred structure illustrated, all of which variations can be accomplished without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

I claim:

1. A vehicle radiator grille assembly, compris ing: an upper shell having a generally horizontal, substantially flat under surface; a lower shell spaced below the upper shell and having a generally horizontal, substantially fiat top surface; a vertically corrugated grille member extending vertically between said under and top surfaces; an upper grille-carrying member disposed below the under surface of the upper shell and having 2.

pockets therein to receive the upper part of said corrugated grille member; a lower grille-carrying member mounted on the top surface of the lower shell and having pockets therein to receive the lower part of said corrugated grille member, said pockets having bottoms supporting said grille member; means securing the upper shell to the upper grille-carrying member; and means securing the lower grille-carrying member to the lower shell.

2. A vehicle radiator grille assembly, comprising: an upper shell having a generally horizontal, substantially flat under surface; a lower shell spaced below the upper shell and having a generally horizontal, substantially flat top surface; a vertically corrugated grille member extending vertically between said under and top surfaces; an upper grille-carrying member disposed below the under surface of the upper shell and having pockets therein to receive the upper part of said corrugated grille member; a lower grille-carrying member mounted on the top surface of the lower shell and having pockets therein to receive the lower part of said corrugated grille member; and means extending vertically between the upper and lower shells for securing same together with the grille member and carrying members there-- between.

3. A vehicle radiator grille assembly, comprising: an upper shell having a generally horizontal, substantially fiat under surface; a lower shell spaced below the upper shell and having a generally horizontal, substantially flat top surface; a grille member extending vertically between said under and top surfaces and including vertically running corrugations extending from top to bottom thereof; an upper grille-carrying member disposed below the under surface of the upper shell and having pockets therein to receive the upper part of said corrugated grille member; a

lower grille-carrying member mounted on the top surface of the lower shell and having pockets therein to receive the lower part of said corrugated grille member; and means securing the as sembly together with the grille member substantially in compression between the upper shell and upper carrying member and the lower shell and carrying member, including a plurality of securing members extending vertically between the upper and lower shells and in part concealed by certain corrugations in the grille member.

4. A vehicle radiator grille assembly, comprising: an upper shell having a generally horizontal, substantially flat under surface; a lower shell spaced below the upper shell and having a generally horizontal, substantially flat top surface; a grille member extending vertically between the upper and lower shells and including vertically running corrugations at the top and bottom thereof; an upper grille-carrying member disposed below the under surface of the upper shell and having pockets therein to receive the corrugations at the top of the grille member; a lower grille-carrying member mounted on the top surface of the lower shell and having pockets therein to receive the corrugations at the bottom of the grille member; means extending vertically between the upper carrying member and the lower shell for securing said upper carrying member to the lower shell with the grille and lower carrying member therebetween; and means removably securing the upper shell to the upper carrying member.

5. A vehicle radiator grille assembly, comprising: an upper shell having a generally horizontal, substantially fiat under surface; a lower shell spaced below the upper shell and having a generally horizontal, substantially flat top surface; a grille member extending vertically between the upper and lower shells and including vertically running corrugations at the top and bottom thereof; an upper grille-carrying member disposed below the under surface of the upper shell and having pockets therein to receive the corrugations at the top of the grille member; a lower grille-carrying member mounted on the top surface of the lower shell and having pockets therein to receive the corrugations at the bottom of the grille member; means extending vertically between the upper carrying member and the lower shell for securing said upper carrying member to the lower shell with the grille and lower carrying member therebetween; and means including extensions of said vertically extendin securing means for removably mounting the upper shell on the upper carrying member.

6. A vehicle radiator grille, comprising a base member having an upper, generally horizontal, transverse mounting portion provided with a plurality of transversely spaced, upwardly opening pockets having bottoms therein; a grille member extending upwardly from the base member and generally transversely thereacross and having a lower part provided with a plurality of transversel spaced portions conforming generally in shape to and fitting the aforesaid pockets and seating on the bottoms of said pockets; and means securing the grille member to the base member.

7. The invention defined in claim 6, further characterized in that: the grille member includes an upper part provided with transversely spaced portions similar to the portions at the lower part; an upper member is positioned above the grille member and has an under, generally horizontal, transverse portion provided with a plurality of transversely spaced, downwardly opening pockets to receive :and seat .on the aforesaid portions at the upper part of the grille member; and means is provided for securing the upper member in position at the upper part of said grille member.

18. A vehicle radiator grille assembly, comprising a base member having a transverse portion and .a pair pf generally parallel longitudinal side portions; means on the transverse portion providing an upper mountingelement having a plurality of transversely spaced pockets; a grille member extending upwardly from the base member :and having a transverse portion generally co-extensive with the base member transverse portion and :a pair of vertical side portions extending generally parallel to each other and in part coextensiverespectively with theihase member :Slde portions, leaving part of each of said base member side portions extending therebeyond'; means at the lower part of the transverse portion of the grille providing a plurality of transversely spaced projections fitting :and received .by the spaced pockets in the base member transverse portion; :means securing the grille member to the base member; side sheets extending upwardly respectively from the aforesaid extending parts of the base member side portions substantially as longitudinal extensions respectively of the grille member side portions; .means securing said side sheets respectively to "the base member side portions; and means securing the side sheets respectively to thegrille member side portions.

9. In a vehicle radiatorgrille assembly; a base member having a transverse mounting plate; means forming a transverse recess in the mounting plate and providing a transverse horizontal ledge and an adjoining transverse generally ver tical shoulder; a grille member extending upwardly from the mounting plate and resting at its bottom on said ledge and further including a vertical part provided generally as a U in transverse section having a portion engaging the aforesaid shoulder; -a second plate above the mounting plate and positioned generally parallel to the transverse recess and spaced closely above the ledge; means securing the second plate to the mounting plate in said position; and means in said second plate including a pocket for receiving the aforesaid U-shaped portion of the grille member.

10. The invention defined in claim 9, further characterized in that: the second plate is provided with a vertical flange portion bordering said pocket and contoured to fit the U-shaped portion of the grille member, said flange further being positioned in spaced relation to said shoul der to confine the aforesaid portion of the U- shaped part of the grille member therebetween.

11. In a vehicle radiator grille assembly: a base member having a transverse mounting plate; means forming a transverse recess in the mounting plate and providing a transverse horizontal ledge and an adjoining transverse generally vertical shoulder; a second plate extending transversely and above the mounting plate and positioned closely above and generally paralleling the ledge; means providing in the second plate a plurality of transversely spaced pockets of generally U shape as viewed from above and arranged with the open end of each U toward the shoulder; means on said second plate including a depending generally transverse sinuous flange lid bordering the pockets :and at transversely spaced intervals Ebetween the pockets lying closely adjacent :said shoulder; and a grille member ex tending upwardly from the base and plates and having .a lower .part including transversely spaced, vertical corrugations which provide a generally transverse sinuous structure fitting the aforesaid pockets and following and engaging said depending sinuous flange, said sinuous structure at transversely spaced intervals fitting between the shoulder and the aforesaid portions of said sinuous flange that lie closely adjacentsaid shoulder.

12. The invention defined in claim 11, further characterized in that: the second plate is mounted in closely spaced relation above the ledge by a aplurality'of spacer elements disposed between the under surface of said second plate and the upper surface of said ledge and spaced transversely thereof inter mediate certain of said pockets; and means is provided for securing the second plate to the mounting plate with the spacer elements 'therebetween.

.13. In a vehicle radiator grille assembly: a base member having a transverse mounting plate a second plate extending transversely and above and generally paralleling the upper surface of the mounting plate; means providing in the second plate a plurality of transversely spaced pockets of generally U shape as viewed from above and having bottoms therein; means on saidsecond plate including a depending, generally transverse sinuous flange bordering the pockets; and a grille member extending upwardly from the base and plates and having a lower part including transversely spaced, vertical corrugations which provide a generally transverse sinuous structure fitting the aforesaid pockets and seating onthe bottoms thereof and following and engaging said depending sinuous flange, and resting on the upper surface of the mounting plate.

14. In a vehicle radiator grille assembly: a grille receiving element including an elongated, generally flat surfaced :plate having a plurality of pockets therein spaced lengthwise thereof, said pockets being substantially U shaped as viewed along a line normal to the flat surface of the plate; means on the plate providing a flange at substantially a right angle to the flat surface of the plate and extending sinuously and lengthwise of the plate to border the aforesaid pockets; and a grille member positioned to extend generally at a right angle to the flat surface of the plate and having a portion proximate to the plate including corrugations extending normal to the fiat surface of the plate and spaced on the order of the aforesaid pockets and contoured according to said sinuous flange to fit said pockets and engage said flange.

15. In a vehicle radiator grille assembly: a lower support having a transverse, vertical front wall including at its upper edge a rearwardly directed flange extending substantially transversely there-across; a mounting plate extending transversely across the front wall and having a transverse, horizontal portion disposed below the upper edge of said front wall so that a portion of said front wall including the flange projects upwardly beyond the mounting plate, and further including an upstanding shoulder portion extending transversely thereacross in rearwardly spaced relation to that portion of the front wall that projects upwardly beyond said horizontal portion, whereby said horizontal portion, said upwardly projecting front wall portion and said 11 shoulder portion provide a transverse channel in the lower support; an upstanding grille member carried in said channel; and a member engaging said grille member and having a, portion projecting into the channel and engaged by the front wall flange.

16. The invention defined in claim 15, further characterized in that: the grille member is provided with transversely spaced vertical corrugations of a depth generally equal to the width of and received in the channel.

17. The invention defined in claim 16, further characterized in that: the grille-engaging member is provided with transversely spaced pockets receiving the corrugations in the grille member.

18. In a vehicle radiator grille assembly: a lower support having a transverse, vertical front wall extending substantially transverselyrthereacross; a mounting plate extending transversely across the front wall and having a transverse, horizontal portion disposed below the upper edge of said front wall so that a portion of said front wall projects upwardly beyond the mounting plate, and further including an upstanding shoulder portion extending transversely thereacross in rearwardly spaced relation to that portion of the front wall that projects upwardly beyond said horizontal portion, whereby said horizontal portion, said upwardly projecting front wall portion and said shoulder portion provide a transverse channel in the lower support; an upstanding grille member carried in said channel; and a member engaging said grille member and having a portion projecting into the channel and engaged by one of said portions of said channel.

19. In a vehicle radiator grille assembly: a lower support having a transverse, vertical front wall extending substantially transversely thereacross; a mounting plate extending transversely across the front wall and having a transverse, horizontal portion disposed below the upper edge of said front wall so that a portion of said front wall projects upwardly beyond the mounting plate and further including an upstanding shoulder portion extending transversely thereacross in rearwardly spaced relation to that portion of the front wall that projects upwardly beyond said horizontal portion, whereby said horizontal portion, said upwardly projecting front wall portion and said shoulder portion provide a transverse channel in the lower support; an upstanding grille member carried in said channel; and a member including a generally flat, platelike portion generally paralleling the channel and positioned in closely spaced relation above the horizontal portion of the channel; spacer means interposed between the under surface of said plate-like portion and the upper surface of said horizontal portion; and means securing the platelike portion to the mounting plate with the spacer means in position as aforesaid.

20. In a vehicle radiator grille assembly: a lower support having a transverse, vertical front Wall extending substantially transversely thereacross; a mounting plate extending transversely across the front Wall and having a transverse, horizontal portion disposed below the upper edge of said front wall so that a portion of said front wall projects upwardly beyond the mounting plate, and further including an upstanding shoulder portion extending transversely thereacross in rearwardly spaced relation to that portion of the front wall that projects upwardly beyond said horizontal portion, whereby said horizontal portion, said upwardly projecting front wall portion and said shoulder portion provide a transverse channel in the lower support; an upstanding grille member having a lower portion provided with transversely spaced, generally vertically running corrugations extending into said channel; and a member above and generally paralleling said channel and having a substantially vertically flanged structure of sinuous configuration transversely on the order of the corrugations of the grille member and disposed adjacent the channel to receive said corrugations.

WALLACE H. DU SHANE.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,533,982 F'irkins Apr. 14, 1925 2,021,929 Voigt Nov. 26, 1935 2,071,673 Whitlock Feb. 23, 1937 

